THE Farm Health Planning (FHP) demonstrations are returning for a second consecutive year to The Dairy Event and Livestock Show, the UK’s largest livestock trade event, which is to be staged at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 16th and 17th September by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.
Called Healthy Animals, Healthy Profits, this series of practical demonstrations will be combined with technical information provided by some of the UK’s leading specialist veterinary surgeons and advisers on proactive herd measures designed to help farmers manage disease and improve their livestock’s overall performance.
Key issues to be put under the microscope are lameness, including foot trimming demonstrations, mastitis, fertility, young stock health, and profitable disease control.
FHP will be staged in a 600 square metre exhibition hall with tiered seating, while presentations and practical demonstrations taking place will be displayed on a giant plasma screen. The exhibition has attracted support from a wide range of industry sponsors: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, CIS/HUK, DairyCo, Forum Animal Health, Giltspur Scientific, Richard Keenan, NML/MHH, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, Tesco and VLA.
“The event is a must attend for vets, not only to explore the FHP exhibition, but also to investigate the latest developments that impact on their clients’ businesses,” says FHP project co-ordinator, John Sumner. “Our aim is to encourage the whole industry to takeamore active approach to farm health planning whereby the farmer, the vet and, where appropriate, a consultant work together in partnership and discuss the various issues before decisions are made. What’s more, in addition to improving animal health and welfare, proactive management results in improved farm profits.”
Focal point
RABDF chief executive, Nick Everington, adds: “Why not plan to meet up with your clients at the FHP exhibition; it will provide a focal point and relaxed atmosphere for discussion away from the farm. Even better, bring them along with you in the car – discount entrance tickets are available on line at www.dairyevent.co.uk.
“Away from the FHP exhibition, time will be well invested taking in the 450 trade stands. You’ll find some of the latest equipment for milking and handling livestock, together with dairy hygiene and veterinary products from all the leading animal health companies. Exhibitors from the allied trades will be out in force with the latest plethora of products to investigate, from housing and feeding equipment to silage additives blends and minerals.
“Farmers can bring along samples for free analysis to the Manure Centre and Soil Surgery, while the mixer wagon demonstrations are designed to help farmers and vets make more informed decisions on mixing and feeding rations. There will also be opportunities to find out more about diversification, including renewables, and this year we are staging the inaugural Farming Women’s Workshops,aseries of seminars offering women solutions to issues they frequently have to manage.
“If you are a vet already involved in the industry and want to help your clients make better informed decisions, this show will offer many solutions all in one location and on one day.”
■ For further information about the show, ticket offers and group travel arrangements, call 0845 4582711 or see www.dairyevent.co.uk.
